Collapsible handle for portable talking machines and other articles



May 27, 1924. 1A95'752 W. D. LA RUE COLLAPSIBL E HANDLE FOR PORTABLE TALKING MACHINES AND OTHER ARTICLES Filed April 14, 1922 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 a 26 3 if 1 2; LZF5| a1 William Z aEae.

WITNESS 5y may 27, 1924.,

W. D. LA RUE COLLAPSIBLE HANDLE FOR PORTABLE TALKING MACHINES AND OTHER ARTICLES Filed April 14 1922 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVIENTOIP 'mlliafiz ZZZ a Ewe.

WITNESS Patented May :27, 1924.

UNI E STA ES PATENT OFFICE.

WILLIAM LA' RUE, OF PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNOR TO VICTOR TALKING MACHINE COMPANY, A CORPORATION NEW JERSEY.

COLLAPSIIBLE HANDLE FOR PORTABLE TALKING MACHINES AND OTHER ARTICLES.

Application filed April 14, 1922. Serial No. 552,738.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, WILLIAM D. LA RUE, a citizen of the United States, and, a resident of the city of Philadelphia, in the county of Philadelphia and State of Pennsylvania,

have invented certain new and useful Improve-ments in Collapsible Handles for Portable Talking Machines and other Articles,

I of which the following is a specification, ref- 1 erence being had to the accompanying drawings.

Talking machines, generally speaking, are heavy instruments which are not frequently moved from place to place. Having once placed the instrument in that position in a room where it may be operated to the best advantage it generally remains there, as permanently as a piano, particularlyif the ma chine beof the heavy large cabineted type. Although there have been now developed and are on the market comparatively lightweight portable'ta-lking machines, it is desirable that such light machines should present and maintain so far as possible the appearance of immobility that a heavier instrument does. In other words, it does not particularly add to the attractiveness of a portable machine to provide ,it with an ordinary handle, thereby substantially stamping it as a portable machine, because, except at rare intervals, portable talkin machines generally form permanent an fixed parts of the furniture of the room in which they are ordinarily kept. It is therechine which does not present an unsightly appearance when attached to the machine, or of itself too strongly suggest that the talking machine is a portable one.

A further object of my invention is to provide a collapsible handle which is strong and in which the grip is of sufiiciently ample and generous proportions to permit such an object as a heavy. talking machine to be readily carried without injury to the hand, and at the same time to provide for substantially concealing the grip thereof whenever the handle is not being used to transrt the machine from one place to another.

A further object of my inventionv is to provide a collapsible handle in which the gri may be substantially concealed. and in which the parts are not easily fore one object of the present invention to provide a handle for a portable talking ma:

displaced when once the handle has been collapsed and the grip concealed.

Another object of my invention is to provide a construction in which the grip may be readily and-instantly withdrawn from its concealed position for transporting or carrying the talking machine from one place to another.

A further. object' of my invention is to provide a handle in which when the grip is withdrawn from its concealed position to its extended position for carrying the object, it

stays in that position:- until the grip is posi- Other obiects of my invention will appear in the specification and claims below.

In the drawings forming a part of this specification and in which the same reference characters are used throughout'the various views to designate the same parts, 1 is a view, half in elevation and half in vertical section, showing one embodiment of my 1 invention. 1

,f Fig. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the same handle, half collapsed.

Fig. 3, is a'vie'w similar to Fig. 2 showing the handle in its collapsed position.

Fig. 4 is a plan View of the handle shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is a transverse sectional view taken on the lines 55 of Fig. 3; and

Fig. 6 is a second transverse sectional view taken on the line 6-6of Fig. 3.

Fig. 7 is a vertical longitudinal section ot a modified form of my invention; and

Fig. 8 is a longitudinal sectional 'view ot one end of the handle shown in Fig. .7 in its collapsed or folded condition or position.

Referring first to the embodiment of my invention as illustrated in Figs. 1 to 6 1nclusive of the drawings, a suitable wall, top or side 1 of' a talking machine cabinet 1s provided with a substantially rectangular opening 2 therethrou h for the reception of the base member 3 o the collapsible handle Fig.

constituting my invention. This base memher 3 comprises a base plate 4 having a preferably rectangular opening 5 therethrough or therein, and providing a flange 6 adapted to lie flat against the top or outer surface of the wall 1 of a cabinet around the said opening 2 therein. The said flange 6 is preferably provided with holes 7 for the reception of screws 8 by means of which the base member 3 is rigidly secured to the wall 1 of the cabinet. The screws 8 are preferably machine screws provided with nuts 9.

The base member 3 also preferably comprises a casing 10 extending downwardly or inwardly from the base plate 4 around the opening 5 therein and forms a recess or chamber 11 the side walls of which fit within the said opening 2 in the wall 1. The casing 10 'and'the base plate 4 may be made in two parts brazed or soldered together, or they may be made integral by suitably stamping and pressing sheet metal into the desired shape.

Adjacent opposite sides or ends of the opening 5-in the base plate 4 are two station ary pivot pins 12-12 upon which is respectively mounted or pivoted one of a pair of rigid links or connecting members 13. The free ends of these members 13 are adapted to be swung toward each other on said pivot pins 12 to closethe opening 5 in the base plate 4, and the length of the said members is such that when they are swung to their horizontal position, their ends will substantially abut, to close the opening in the base plate 4. 'The ends, however, may be and preferably are provided with recesses 1 l-14 for the insertion of the finger to raise the said links or connecting members 13 when occasion requires.

The rigid links or connecting members 13 are each preferably provided with aflat top surface 15 of a width substantially the same as the with of the opening 5 in the base plate so that when said members are in their closed position, as shown in Fig. 3, the top surfaces will be flush with the top surfaces of the base plate 4. m

The saidfrigid links or connectinginembers 13 are also each preferably provided on their under side with longitudinal flanges 16,16 extending preferably along the side edges thereof'and in planes normal to the top flat surfaces 15 taereof, and the said flanges 16 are in turn preferably-provided with slots 17 extending longitudinally. thereof. The ends of the flanges 16, around or adjacentthe pivot pins 12, are preferably squared or provided with surfaces 18- 19, disposed at substantially right angles to each other, to cooperate with the free end 20 of a leaf spring 21 secured to the bottom of. the casing 10 in any suitablelmanner as by rivets 22. There are two of these springs 21,"so secured to the casing 10, each respectively cooperating with the flat surfaces 18-49 of one of the links or connecting members 13 so that when a member 13 is raised to the position shown in Fig. 1 the free end 20 will bear against the flat straight surface 18 of the link and hold it in that elevated position, and when a rigid link or connecting member 13 is swung on its pivot to its lowest position the free ends of the spring 21 will bear against the straight flat surfaces 19 of the pivoting members and hold them in that position.

The grip 23 of the handle is preferably made of stamped sheet metal and is of a generally til-shape in transverse cross section (see Fig. 6) with the vertical longitudinal flanges 2a thereof extending along the side edges thereof, and the grip is preferably provided with a longitudinally curved smooth under side 25. The ends 26 of the grip 23 preferably curve downwardly and are provided with stout transverse pins 27 passing through suitable holes 28 adjacent the ends of the flanges 24. These transverse pins 27 @are also adapted to freely pass through the slots 17 in the rigid link or connecting member 13, the outer surfaces of the vertical flanges 24 fitting against the inner sides of the flanges 16 of the links or connecting members 13, and the pins 27 are preferably provided with ample heads 29 smoothly bearing against the outer sides of the flanges 16, the diameters of theheads 29 being greater than the widest portion of the slots 17. When so assembled the ends of the grip 23 will be free to slide longitudinally of the links or connecting members 13, the pins 27 sliding in the slots 17 but the pins are restrained from longitudinal movement with respect to either the handle or the links by reason of the heads 29 which smoothly bear against the outer sides of the flanges 16. In

tliis way the handle is permanently but slid ingly attachedand pern'ianently secured to the under sides of the rigid links or connecting members 13.

The ends of the slots 17 adjacent the free ends of the members 13 are preferably provided with a laterally extending shallow recess 30 curved on an-arcto generally conform to the diameter of the trans verse pin 27, and the flat surface 18 on the pivot end of the member is preferably so disposed that when the rigid memberseor links 13 are in the position shown in Fig. 1 the free ends of the leaf springs 21 tend to force the free ends of said links or rigid members 13 outwardly or apart from each other, thus holding the transverse pins 27 in said shallow recesses-3O and preventing the grip 23 from falling. The flat surfaces 19 are also so disposed or inclined that. when the rigid members 13 are in their flat or horizontal position as shown in Fig. 3, the springs 21 tend to hold them in that position, and to prevent the accidental displacement of the members 13.

In order to provide for a clearance between the heads 29'of the p'ins'27 and the inside walls of the casing 10 vertical shallow recesses 31 may be provided in the easing 10 as clearly s own. y

In Fig. 1 the handle is shown in its elevated position for the transportation of the talking machine to which it is attached. In Fig. 3 it is shown in its closed position with the grip 23 concealed within the chamber 11. In Fig. 2 the handle is shown in an intermediate position. To collapse the handle from the position shown in Fig. 1 it is merely necessary to press against an end thereof with suflicient pressure to force the transverse pin 27 out of the shallow recess and down the slot 17 in the rigid link or connecting member 13, then to press similarly on' the other end of the handle whereupon the whole handle will collapse and the parts will occupy the position shown in Fig. 3. To Withdraw the handle it is merely necessary to insert a 'finger under a member 13, through opening formed by the recesses 14 in the ends of a rigid link 13, and swing said member upwardly, as for example, to the position shown at the lefthand "side of 2. After having been so partly elevated the hand is inserted under the grip and the whole grip pulled upward- 1y, until the pins 27 reach the outer ends of the slots 17, whereupon they will click into the shallow recess 30 and the free ends thereof, duecto the pressure of the springs 21 in the members 13. p

In Figs. 7 and 8 is shown a modified formof my invention wherein therigid links or connecting members 13 slightly differ from the similar members above described in connection with the. first form or embodiment of my invention, in that the hingedends of said members 13 are coiled about the pivot-pins 12, and the top surfaces 15' do not extend throughout the entire length of the members.

The leaf springs 21 shown in this modification are preferably secured to the outside of the casing 10. by rivets 22, and the free ends 20' of the springs project through openings 10'-10 in the'ends of the casing to engage flat surfaces 19'19' above the pivot pins 12, said surfaces 19'19' being slightly inclined with respect to the top flat surface 15' thereof; The free end of each spring 21 preferably bears constantly against an inclined surface 19, thus tending to hold the links 13' in their closed positions,

The flanges 16' of the links 13' are provided with longitudinal extending slots 17" but the shallow recess 30' at the end of the slot 17 is on the outer side of its slot 17 as distinguished from being on the inner side thereof, as in the form of my invention first described. When the grip23 is raised to its upper position, as shown in Fig. 7, the transverse pins 27 click into the shallow recesses 30 by reason of the action of the leaf springs 21' constantly tending to swing the links 13' about their respective axes towardeach other, with the result that when the grip is once completely raised it is held in its elevated position.

In the modification first above described and illustrated in Figs. 1 to 6 the slots 17 are of constantly increasing width as they approach the pivots of the links 13 in order to permit of the relative movement of the transverse pins 27 with respect to the slot as tg e grip comes to its closed position shown in 1 Figs.% and 8 the sides of the slot 17 are parallel for the greater part of their length but the end of the slot adjacent the pivot pins 12 is provided with a lateral recess 17" for the reception of the transverse pins 27' when the grip is in the similar collapsed or folded position.

It is also to be noted that the downwardly grooved ends 26 of the grip 23, shown in 3. In the modification shown in Fig. 7,.are preferably wrapped around the I transverse pins 27 to retain the said pins therein, and 'that the wall 1 of the cabinet may be provided with a suitable recess 1' around the free end 20 of the leaf spring 21". to permit the said spring to move freely.

' But in both of these embodiments of my invention the base member comprises a base plate; the hinged links or connecting members are pivoted adjacent the opposite ends of the opening through the base plate; the

rigid links or connecting members serve to ends of the slots, when once the grip has been elevated.

In the embodiment. of my invention as shown in Figs.- 1 to 6 the recess or chamber 11- has imperforated walls on five sides thereof so that the opening 2-is completely closed and dust and dirt are prevented from passing through the base member into the interior of the cabinet or casing to which the handle may be attached. In the modification-shown in Figs. 7 and 8 the vertical end-walls of the casing 10 are provided with small openings 10' through which the free ends 20 of the springs 21. project but these openings are small and the walls thereof approach' closely to the free end ofthe spring passing therethrough, so that this casing. to all practical intents and purwhich prevents the passage of dirt and dust therethrough to the interior of the box or casing to which the handle is attached.

. While the collapsible handle above described forming my invention has been made with the purpose particularly in mind of providing a handle suitable for transport sary or desirable and where, for any or various reasons, it is desirable to fold or collapse the handle, and conceal or cover the grip thereof.

The handle is also adapted for attachment to drawers of pieces of furniture, or

to the articles of furniture themselves, 1

wherever an ordinary rigid or collapsible handle would be unsightly or undesirable, because this handle, when closed, presents an attractive appearance which adapts it to a large variety of uses. Having thus described my invention, what. I claim and desire to protect by Letters Patent is:

1. In a collapsible handle the combination of a. base member providing a recess 01'- chamber, a grip movable into and out of said recess, and means to hold said grip elevated from said base member and operative to substantially cover said grip and close said recess when said grip is in said recess.v

2. In a collapsible handle the combination of a base member having a recess therein, a grip movable into and out of said recess, and means to permanently attach said grip to said base member, and operative to substantially cover said grip and close said recess when said grip is in said recess.

3. In a collapsible handle the combination of a base member having a recess therein. ,a rigid grip movable into and out of said recess, a pair of rigid members attached to said base member and permanently securing said grip to said base member, said members being operative to hold said grip spaced from said base member when said grip has been withdrawn from said recess, and also operative to substantially cover said grip and close said recess when said grip is returned to said recess.

4. In a collapsible handle the combination of a base plate having an openingftherein. a pair of rigid members pivot/ed respectively adjacent opposite sides of said opening and arranged to swing each toward the other to substantially close, said opening, and a grip having its ends respectively permanently slidingly attached to said mem-= bers.

5. In a collapsible handle the combination of a base plate having an opening therein, a pair of rigid members pivoted respectively adjacent opposite ends of said opening and arranged to swing each toward the other to substantially close said opening, and a grip having its ends respectively permanently slidingly attached to the under portions of said members.

6. In a collapsible handle the combination of a base member comprising a casing open at the top and substantially closed on the other sides thereof, a pair of rigid members pivoted to said casing respectively adjacent the ends thereof and arranged to be swung toward each other to substantially close the top of said casing, and a grip having its ends respectively permanently slidingly attached to said rigid members.

7 In a collapsible handle the combination of a base plate having an opening therein, a pair of rigid members pivoted adjacent opposite sides of said opening and arranged toswing toward each other to close said opening, said members being provided with Him wardly directed longitudinal flanges and said flanges being provided with longitudinal slots, and a grip the ends of which are mounted to slide in said slots.

8. In a collapsible handle the combination of'a base plate having an opening therein, a

pair of rigid members pivoted adjacent op-,

posite sides of said opening and arranged to swing toward each other to closesaid opening substantially flush with the top surface of said plate, said members being provided with inwardly directed longitudinal flanges and said flanges being provided with longi tudinal slots, and a grip the ends of which are mounted to slide in said slots.

9. In a collapsible handle the combination of a base member providing a chamber open .at the top thereof, a pair of link members pivoted within said chamber at opposite ends thereof, a grip, and slidin connections betweenthe ends of said grip and said linir members below the top surfaces or said linlr members. i

10. In a collapsible handle the combination of a base plate, a grip, means to permanently attach said grip to said plate comprising a pair of pivoted members provided with slots in which the ends of said grip are adapted to slide, and means for retaining said handle in the ends of said slots remote from the pivots of pivoted members when said grip is at the limit of its movement away from said plate.

11. In a collapsible handle the combination of a base member providing a recess or chamber, a pair of link members pivoted re- .spectively adjacent opposite ends of said chamber to swing from a horizontal position tld let) in which they substantially close said recess upwardly towards a vertical position, said members being provided with longitudinal slots, and a grip having its ends permanently secured to said link members to slide in said slots.

12. In a collapsible handle the combination of a base member, a pair of link members pivoted on parallel axes to said base members and with their free ends abutting when said members are horizontal or fiat, and a rigid grip having its ends slidingly attached to the undersides of said pivoted members respectively.

13. In a collapsible handle the combination of a base member, a pair of link members pivoted on parallel axes to said base members and with their free ends substantially abutting when said members are horizontal or flat, yielding means tending to hold said members in said horizontal position, and a rigid grip having its ends slidingly attached to the undersides of said pivoted members respectively.

14. In a collapsible handle the combinationof a base member providing a recess or chamber, a grip movable into and out of said recess, and means permanently attaching said grip to said base member and operative each other, and a grip having its ends respectively slidingly attached to said members.

16. In a collapsible handle the combination ofa base plate, a pair of rigid members having an end respectively pivoted to said base plate and arranged to swing on said pivots to bring the free ends thereof toward and away from each other, a grip, and pin and slotconnections between said grip and the free ends of said rigid members.

In witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this 13th day of April, 1922.

' WILLIAM D. LA RUE. 

